Does Dragon Ball Sparkling Zero have local co-op?

Does Dragon Ball Sparkling Zero have a local co-op feature planned? Here’s what we know about the possible inclusion.

The beloved Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi fighting franchise is finally coming back, with fans eagerly anticipating the release of Dragon Ball Sparkling Zero in the near future.

In the lead-up to the game’s release, gameplay trailers, character details, and more have all been trickling through. Previously released footage showcasing the updated graphics, combat mechanics, and more.

One aspect of the Budokai Tenkaichi games that made it such a hit during the 2000s and 2010s was the local multiplayer focus to the game. Allowing friends to all sit down on the couch together and battle it out against each other using the likes of Goku and Vegeta.

Despite this, rumors have been circulating online for months now that Sparkling Zero will launch without local co-op, some even calling this a “deal-breaker” given the feature’s history throughout the franchise.

In light of this, here is everything we know about local multiplayer for Dragon Ball Sparkling Zero, including whether or not it will be a feature in the game.

Does Dragon Ball Sparkling Zero have local co-op?

Yes, Dragon Ball Zero will feature local co-op in a dedicated split-screen mode. This had been rumored for a while after an unintended leak on the PlayStation Store mentioned the mode briefly.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed on the PS store listing for Dragon Ball Sparkling Zero that it states 1-2 players can play locally, this potential confirmation was met with overwhelming joy by players.

After all, other franchises that have previously included local co-op, such as Halo, have moved away from the feature in recent installments, a decision that has been met with major backlash from the video game community.

Fortunately for prospective Dragon Ball Sparking Zero fans, developers gave official confirmation of local co-op in the game at Summer Games Fest 2024.

The Game Mode Showcase revealed a number of ways to play with a split-screen option for Sparking Zero included in the list. Perhaps less fortunate, there is a major caveat when it comes to Dragon Ball Sparking Zero’s local co-op.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero local co-op limitations

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero will only allow split-screen play on a single map. Devs revealed that the Hyperbolic Time Chamber is the only way you’ll be able to battle your friends and family on the couch.

Producer Jun Furutani revealed the decision-making process to GamesRadar+ in an interview. He cited the sheer quantity of effects and environmental destruction as the reason Dragon Ball Sparking Zero’s local co-op was limited in this fashion.

“The game was really developed as a solo experience on one screen because it was so important for us to be able to maximize and optimize the experience of a Dragon Ball fight and all that comes with it, Furutani said. “For example, all the real-time interactions and animation that you can see in the game will make this Dragon Ball experience the best.”

“There were definitely challenges to go with the split screen feature. But still, we wanted the player to enjoy the game in many situations, and playing on his couch with a friend is one of the situations, so we made sure to add this feature in the game.”

Bandai Namco

The Hyperbolic Time Chamber will be the only split-screen map in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.

While the single-map limitation is a bit of a bummer, at least we finally have confirmation of local co-op in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.

If you want to prepare for all the potential battles you’re going to have, why not check out the massive roster of playable characters?